28320, Bladenboro, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28320, Bladenboro, North Carolina is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.98 percent of the residents in 28320 has some form of health insurance. 42.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.73 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 28320 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,985 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28320. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,121 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,334 health care providers accessible to residents in 28320, Bladenboro, North Carolina.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Bladenboro, NC (ZIP Code 28320)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians within the 28320 ZIP code, focusing on their preparedness and resources available for lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and patient support. This assessment considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components of comprehensive cancer care. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Bladenboro, NC, and to identify areas for improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Bladenboro is a crucial starting point. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Accurate data on this ratio is essential. Ideally, this data would be sourced from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services or the Health Resources & Services Administration. If available, it should be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care in the area. A low physician-to-patient ratio is a significant indicator of healthcare access.

The presence of standout practices within the 28320 ZIP code is another key factor. These practices are defined as those that have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in patient care, particularly in areas related to lung cancer. This includes early detection through screening programs, adherence to evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, and a focus on patient education and support. Identifying these practices requires a review of patient reviews, accreditation status (e.g., NCQA), and any publicly available data regarding their performance metrics. Practices that actively participate in lung cancer screening initiatives, such as those recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), should be highlighted.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly changing the landscape of healthcare delivery, and its presence in Bladenboro is significant. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including increased access to specialists, especially for those in rural areas, and the potential for improved patient convenience. The degree to which primary care physicians in the area utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and patient education is crucial. This includes the availability of virtual consultations for discussing symptoms, reviewing test results, and providing support to patients undergoing treatment or managing chronic conditions. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to provide timely and accessible care.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, yet critical component of cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient’s mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, support groups, and psychiatric care, within the primary care setting or through referrals, is a significant factor. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health concerns and offer access to these resources are demonstrating a commitment to holistic patient care. This includes partnerships with local mental health providers and the integration of mental health services into the overall treatment plan.

The Lung Cancer Score for physicians in 28320 should also consider the availability of diagnostic tools and treatment options. This includes access to CT scanners for lung cancer screening, the availability of specialists such as pulmonologists and oncologists, and the proximity to cancer treatment centers. The ability of primary care physicians to effectively refer patients to these resources is a key indicator of their ability to provide comprehensive care.

The analysis should also consider the level of patient education and support offered by the primary care practices. This includes providing patients with information about lung cancer risk factors, screening guidelines, and treatment options. Practices that offer patient navigators, support groups, or other resources to help patients navigate the complexities of cancer care should be recognized.

The Lung Cancer Score should not be viewed as a definitive ranking, but rather as a tool for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Bladenboro. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the availability of resources, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolving needs of the community. The score should be transparent, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

This analysis, while comprehensive, is limited by the availability of data. Publicly available information may not fully capture the nuances of each practice. The accuracy of the analysis depends on the quality and completeness of the data used. This necessitates continuous monitoring and updates.

The final Lung Cancer Score for each physician should be a composite score, weighted based on the importance of each factor. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of screening programs might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption. The score should be easy to understand and interpret, providing patients with a clear picture of the quality of care they can expect.

The assessment should also consider the demographics of the population served by each practice. This includes factors such as age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. These factors can influence a patient’s risk of lung cancer and their access to care. The analysis should identify any disparities in care and recommend strategies to address them.

The Bladenboro community deserves access to high-quality, comprehensive lung cancer care. By carefully evaluating the resources and practices within the 28320 ZIP code, we can identify areas for improvement and work towards ensuring that all residents have the best possible chance of early detection, effective treatment, and compassionate support.

For a visual representation of this data, including a geographically mapped view of physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome.